The Beat I’m talking about here is the Beat Generation. And nowhere are those who comprised it more creatively presented than in Beat Scene magazine. Edited by Kevin Ring, it’s been going for nearly 30 years, during which 87 issues have appeared (with no. 88 due out any moment). The current number (Autumn 2017) is an On the Road special, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Jack Kerouac’s groundbreaking novel. There are in-depth articles by a host of knowledgeable writers, including Ann Charters (Kerouac’s first biographer), Pauline Reeves, Brian Dalton, Kevin Ring, J. M. White, et al; as well as two interviews (definitely check out Steve Turner’s with Luanne Henderson entitled “Hello Marylou”).

Further good news is that after an unfortunate hiatus (don’t ask!), Beat Scene’s website is back up. By following the various threads, you’ll find ordering information, editor/publisher Kevin Ring’s email address, etc. Just click on this link for it

Beat Scene Press additionally publishes chapbooks. Number 60 in the series, William Burroughs and the South Texas Beats, is a fascinating conversation between Rob Johnson and Juan Ochoa concerning the time Burroughs spent farming in that area. At once witty and urbane, it contains a wealth of priceless WSB insights and observations.

And while you’re at it, treat yourself to a journey thru Beat Scene‘s amazing history, which is here

That’s how, nearly 25 years ago, I introduced Herbert for what proved to be
an absolutely riveting storytelling reading at Ins & Outs Press. It went on
nonstop for two solid hours. And when it drew to a close, the packed-house
audience were still asking for more. Now the live recording of that amazing
evening has finally been released as a double-CD album, by Unrequited
Records in San Francisco. It’s called Guilty of Everything, which is also the title of one of Herbert’s books.

Amsterdam residents can score copies of the album from me personally.
Everyone else must order from Unrequited Records. Details for this,
including prices, are on their Order page. Plus you can already hear
selected tracks by going to the Listen page.

The Junky’s Christmas is a 1993 short claymation film directed by Nick Donkin and Melodie McDaniel. William S. Burroughs wrote the story and narrates the film. He also appears in live-action footage at the beginning and end. The story originally appeared in the 1989 collection Interzone and the recording of Burroughs reciting it was additionally released on the CD Spare Ass Annie and Other Tales. The film was produced by Francis Ford Coppola and released by Koch Vision on DVD in North America on Nov. 21, 2006.

I hope you are keeping warm or cool or dry, depending on what the weather is like in your part of the world.

But wherever you are, you’re only a couple of clicks away from ordering issue #63 of Beat Scene magazine. Which is hot off the press and contains (along with so much else) my definitive interview with the late troubadour poet Jack Micheline.